FALL BACK Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

fall back

verb

Definition of fall back

as in to withdraw

to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable) resistance from native forces was greater than expected, and the invading army was forced to fall back

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of fall back In recent years, movie audiences have fallen back in love with the whodunnit, thanks to the mighty talents of Rian Johnson and Kenneth Branagh and more. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026 The question asked by the team was how to bring a wave packet that has fallen back into contact with the one that stayed behind—the same atom on the other path—so that the two can interfere. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026 It’s expected to fall back to Earth sometime between October and late December. — Sara Hashemi, Popular Science, 9 Sep. 2026 By Saturday, Valley highs will fall back into the 80s, with slightly below-normal temperatures possible through the weekend and into early next week. — Ashley Nanfria, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fall back

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fall back

Verb

Some job seekers are pushing back against AI interviews in hiring — refusing them, withdrawing as candidates, or even blacklisting employers from future consideration.

— Sarah Jackson Juhohn Lee, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
One candidate for the job, Tigers general manager Jeff Greenberg, publicly withdrew from consideration last week.

— Max Bultman, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of withdraw

Verb

Then, on the very next series, Philo coolly dropped back on third-and-11 – with the crowd going bonkers – and fired a 20-yard TD strike to Dallas Wilson.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
On 3rd and 5 from West Virginia’s own 38-yard-line, Hawkins dropped back under duress and chucked it up towards the left sideline.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of drop back

Verb

Another man intervened, and the two men began fighting, pulled out handguns and began firing, according to information from police.

— Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026
Bishop Amat made JSerra pull out every trick before the Lions prevailed 37-28 behind quarterback Hayes Cloutier.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of pull out

Verb

Dillard taught for more than 20 years at Wesleyan University before retiring in 2002.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
But Oprah Winfrey just shopped among others, recalls Eddie’s grandson, Mitchell, who worked at the store for 30 years and is now retired in Wellington.

— Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of retire

Browse Nearby Words

fall away

fall back

fall back on

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“Fall back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fall%20back. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of fall back

verb

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